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Finding Your Next Smart Thermostat: A Buyer’s Guide
With the world becoming more aware of conservation efforts, saving energy is a practical approach. Our planet is running out of vital resources, and we can’t afford to waste them. Few devices are as effective at conserving energy and saving money as a smart thermostat — they can set precise temperature targets to minimize wasted energy, and many models also feature built-in scheduling so that your home is only heated or cooled when you need it to be.The market is saturated with tons of these devices that all seem to be perfect, making it hard to choose the right one. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top smart thermostats of 2023, and we’ve also included some buying tips on how to get the most out of your new purchase. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Best Overall
ecobee Smart Thermostat
Top Touchscreen Choice
Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat
Budget-Friendly
Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat
Impressive Features
Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Easy to Install
What to Look for While Buying a Smart Thermostat
When you’re in the market for a new smart thermostat, there are a few features you’ll want to keep an eye out for:Ease of use
A good smart thermostat should be easy to set up and use — you shouldn’t need an engineering degree to figure out how to program it.Compatibility
Make sure that the smart thermostat you’re considering is compatible with your home’s heating and cooling system, or else it won’t do you much good.Energy savings
One of the main reasons to buy a smart thermostat is to save money on your energy bills. Look for a device that offers energy-saving features such as scheduling and auto-adjustment.HVAC system
When shopping for a smart thermostat, you must consider your home’s heating and cooling system. If you have a central air conditioner, you’ll want a line-voltage model to handle the high voltage required by this type of AC unit. If you have a low-voltage system, such as a heat pump, you can choose either a line-voltage or low-voltage smart thermostat.Wiring
Once you’ve determined which type of smart thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system, look at your existing thermostat’s wiring. If there are only two wires (one red and one white), you have a low-voltage system and can choose a line-voltage or low-voltage thermostat. If there are more than two wires, you have a line-voltage system and will need to buy a line-voltage smart thermostat.Smart Thermostat Features
Some common features of smart thermostats include:Auto changeover switch
This feature automatically switches your smart thermostat between heating and cooling modes depending on the temperature inside your home. This feature is handy in places where days are hotter than nights.Remote access
You can remotely adjust the temperature in your home using your smartphone or other mobile devices. This is especially handy if you forget to set your smart thermostat’s temperature before leaving for work or going to bed.Energy usage reporting
Smart thermostats keep track of your energy usage and provide detailed reports, which can help you save money by changing your daily routine to use less energy.Smart controls
Some smart thermostats can be controlled using an app on your smartphone or tablet, while others can be controlled using voice commands. This hands-free control is convenient and can help you save time and your own energy, not to mention heating and cooling energy.Geofencing
Geofencing is a smart thermostat feature that uses GPS to automatically adjust the temperature of your home when you’re away. This helps make sure that your home is always comfortable, even when you’re not there.Benefits of Using Smart Thermostats
There are many benefits of using smart thermostats, including saving money on your energy bills, being able to control your home’s temperature from anywhere, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is always comfortable.Energy savings
One of the most significant benefits is the energy that you can save. Smart thermostats are designed to be more efficient than traditional thermostats and can help you save energy more effectively. They also have features like scheduling and energy-usage tracking to make it easier for you to conserve energy.Cost savings
Another way smart thermostats can help you save money is by reducing the cost of your energy bill. These thermostats are more efficient than traditional thermostats because they use less energy to heat and cool your home — according to Energy Star, you can save up to $180 per year on your energy bill by switching to a smart thermostat.Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Best Overall
The Google Nest Smart Thermostat is a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat with a design that’s slimmer and sleeker than its predecessor. Its circular OLED touchscreen makes it smaller than square devices, and it comes Energy Star-certified for reliable conservation results. Featuring a modern design and improved software, this smart thermostat supports Google’s Home ecosystem, including features like voice control and integration with other compatible devices. With its proven energy-efficient features, this device will even lower the temperature while you’re away. Thanks to how easy it is to install, its advanced features, and its affordable price, this smart thermostat lands the top spot on our list.
Pros
- Works without a C-wire in most homes
- Control it through the Google Home app
- Energy Star-certified device
- Lets you create energy-efficient schedules
Cons
- Lack of instructions can make setup difficult
ecobee Smart Thermostat
Top Touchscreen Choice
The ecobee Smart Thermostat is a great option if you want to save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable at the same time. This thermostat has many handy features that can help you reduce your energy usage, including an occupancy sensor that can detect when people are home or away and a schedule that can be customized to your needs.With this smart thermostat’s built-in weather forecast, you can see how upcoming weather conditions might impact your energy usage. This device comes with built-in Siri and Alexa voice assistants so that you can use voice commands to control it, and its design even includes a speaker that can play music and make announcements.
Pros
- Can help save on annual energy costs
- Built-in Siri and Alexa for maximum control
- Can integrate with your smart home system
- Energy Star-certified for efficient use
Cons
- Does not support variable speed fans
Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat
Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for a thermostat that you can control from your phone, then check out the Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat. This device features built-in Wi-Fi so that you can connect it to your home network and control it from your smartphone or tablet, and it’s designed with a large, easy-to-read display and simple controls. Even better is that this smart thermostat is a breeze to install, with step-by-step app instructions that can help you get it up and running in no time at all.This Energy Star-certified smart thermostat can help you save on energy costs, and you can also receive helpful usage reports, alerts, and reminders to maintain your appliances. The manufacturer states that they don’t sell user data to third parties, so you don’t have to worry about your privacy while you’re heating or cooling your home with this smart thermostat.
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Can be controlled remotely
- Easy to install and program
- Features a white backlight for visibility
Cons
- Screen goes to sleep after several seconds
Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat
Impressive Features
The Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat allows you to track your energy use through monthly reports on its app, and it can also send you personalized instructions on how to improve your usage. You can control this device remotely through its app or various smart home partners, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, for more convenient use.With this smart thermostat’s customizable screen, you can set the device to match your home’s decor. This wall-mounted device also has a clear display and a large, bright high-definition screen that can show you all the information you could want to know about indoor and outdoor temperatures and various weather conditions.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple virtual assistants
- Features a customizable color screen
- Easy-to-read, bright display
- Provides monthly energy reports to track usage
Cons
- Doesn’t offer adjustable swing temperature
Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Easy to Install
The Alarm.com Smart Thermostat is an excellent choice for those who want to make their home more energy-efficient and save money on their monthly utility bills. With its easy-to-use interface and advanced features, this thermostat makes it simple to control your home’s temperature from your smartphone no matter where you are.This smart thermostat is simple to install, and you won’t need any special skills to get it up and running. You can pair it with the compatible app to start configuring its settings, and because the device itself doesn’t feature many controls, you’ll have to use the app for most of the integration process.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Base plate features a lightbulb for visibility
- Shuts off if smoke alarm is activated
- Multiple readings to set an average temperature
Cons
- Using it can be confusing for some
People Also Asked
Is it worth getting a smart thermostat?
Smart thermostats are definitely worth the investment because they can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. You can also conserve energy by using these devices, so consider making the switch today.
Can a smart thermostat work without Wi-Fi?
Although a smart thermostat can work without Wi-Fi, its functionality may become limited. Some smart thermostats don’t calculate exact energy usage if not connected to Wi-Fi.
Does a smart thermostat save money?
If you invest in a high-quality smart thermostat, you can reduce your energy bills and save money. While the initial cost may seem like a lot, in the grand scheme of things, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars.
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